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Sheffield History, United Kingdom

Sheffield, UK - History: City that saw rapid change after Second World War

Sheffield is a metropolitan borough located in South Yorkshire, England. This city derives the name ‘Sheffield’ from its origin in a field on Sheaf River, which runs though the city. Sheffield has grown to a wide economic base after once being part of the famous West Riding of Yorkshire. Today, it ranks amongst the eight largest cities in England and has an estimated population of 530,300.

Historically, the area, which is now the city of Sheffield, was occupied since the last ice age. However, different settlements started growing in the later half of the first millennium. It was the Danish and Anglo-Saxon origin, who first settled here. Egbert was the first Saxon, who ruled all of England.

Sheffield Castle

Sheffield Castle was built in the city after the Norman Conquest in a measure to protect the local settlements and thus the nucleus of today’s Sheffield was born. Evidence suggests that Mary, Queen of Scots, was a prisoner at the Sheffield Manor and Sheffield Castle from 1570 to 1584.

Sheffield as a small market town

Castle Square, which is originally a market, was built in 1296 AD. It helped in turning Sheffield into a small market town.

Sheffield became famous for production of knives in the 14th century. By 16th century, the city became the main centre for the production of cutlery in England. In 1740, Sheffield plate was discovered through a technique used for making silver plating by fusing silver into an ingot of copper. This discovery led to Sheffield becoming a popular industrial town. However, these rapid industrial developments receded in the 18th and 19th century due to loss in export markets. During the resurgence of Industrial Revolution, the town was incorporated as a borough due to its growing population in 1842. It was granted a city status in 1893.

How Sheffield became a target during the Second World War?

Its industrial recession was again halted by the increasing international tension during the Second World War. Since the steel factories of the city were set to make ammunitions and weapons for the war, Sheffield became a prime target for bombing raids as soon as the war was declared.

Sheffield has changed rapidly since then with new projects being generated in various parts of the city. Its Peace Gardens got renovated in 1998, Millennium Gardens in 2001 and Winter Gardens in 2003. Some other developments seen in the city include remodelling of the Sheaf Square, which is located in front of its refurbished railway station.

Sheffield, UK - History: City that saw rapid change after Second World War

Historically, the area, which is now the city of Sheffield, was occupied since the last ice age. However, different settlements started growing in the latter half of the first millennium. It was the Danish and Anglo-Saxon origin, who first settled here. Egbert was the first Saxon, who ruled all of England.

Sheffield Castle

Sheffield as a small market town

Castle Square, which is originally a market, was built in 1296 AD. It helped in turning Sheffield into a small market town.

How Sheffield became a target during the Second World War?

Sheffield has changed rapidly since then with new projects being generated in various parts of the city. Its Peace Gardens was renovated in 1998, Millennium Gardens in 2001 and Winter Gardens in 2003. Some other developments seen in the city include remodeling of the Sheaf Square, which is located in front of its refurbished railway station.

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